The Christmas trade freeze in the NHL has been lifted. However, with the extremely tight race, particularly in the eastern conference, one should not expect too many major trades, as teams do not want to take many big risks. That is why the biggest trade this season so far took place in the Western Conference with the Anaheim Ducks sending Andy McDonald to the Blues for Doug Weight.

This trade shows how a change of scenery can change a playersí season, as McDonald had been struggling mightily, but since being traded to the speedy Blues, he has been able to put up some more points.

Here are some other players that are rumored to be on the block:

Patrick Marleau (C, San Jose): It seems very likely that Marleau will be traded by the end of the season. However, San Jose desperately needs offensive production so Marleau could be off the block at the first sign that he is out of his slump. There were rumors earlier in the season that Marleau would be shipped off to Montreal. It is not easy to say what will happen with Marleau if he is traded. For a while this season he was playing on Joe Thorntonís wing and still could not produce despite being with the best playmaker in the game. However, if Marleau goes to Montreal, he will be a top line center, and will get more of an opportunity then he currently gets in San Jose playing behind Thornton.

Ray Emery (G, Ottawa): Rumors are flying about Emery being traded especially since he had a blowup in the locker room after a practice. Martin Gerber has had more time as the #1 Goalie in Ottawa since Emery was not able to start the regular season due to injury. However, I think Ottawa is not convinced that Gerberís play is consistent enough to trade away someone with the talent like Emery. Nonetheless, Ottawa has a very good goalie in the AHL named Brian Elliott who, in his one NHL start, only allowed one goal for Ottawa. Nonetheless, if traded, I could see Emery going to Tampa Bay for some forward help for Ottawa. He could also end up in Nashville or Los Angeles as they all need goalie help.

Glen Murray (RW, Boston): Earlier in the season, when in a massive slump, there were many rumors about Murray being traded. In fact, there always seems to be rumors about Murray being traded as his salary is too big for a rebuilding team like Boston to have to hold on to. Since his slump, Murray has regained his uncanny ability to finish. However, with his return to a finisher, Murray has also been injured (an unfortunate pattern in his career). Right now, Murray is battling a hip flexor injury. If the Bruins are in the playoff race, do not expect Murray to be traded. However, if they fall out of the race, a possible destination for Murray would be San Jose. In 2002, when playing with Joe Thornton in Boston, Murray was able to score 44 goals. This could make him a very attractive option for San Jose.

Michael Ryder (RW, Montreal): It seems to be a definite that Ryder will be traded before this season is over. He has gone from a first line winger in Montreal to a healthy scratch. No one is in the doghouse more than Ryder on the Canadiens. That said, it is a strange slump for Ryder to be in as he has been an extremely consistent 25+ goal scorer for the past 3 seasons. A change of scenery may be exactly what Ryder needs and whoever gets him will probably give next to nothing as long as he continues to slump. Almost any team in the NHL can use a cheap scoring winger so Iím sure Montreal is talking to many teams. Recent rumors seem to label the Rangers as the favorite to land Ryder. However, I believe Montreal will hold out for the best offer, which could stretch as long as until the trade deadline.

********************************************************Have an opinion on Fantasy Fanatics' article? Let us know. Just hit reply below and post your thoughts. Anything goes...but keep it clean. Get ahead of the competition at www.fantasyfanatics.com********************************************************PickupHockey.com is your online hockey community. We're always looking for sharp volunteer writers. If you feel that you'd like to contribute please send us an email at admin@pickuphockey.com

Notice no Buds on that list. And yet we sit here day after day debating hypothetical situation. I propose we wait till the deadline and wait and see. Everything is too up in the air right now, and is mostly fan generated.

Leafs will suck no matter what, it will take more than a single trade to help them long term. So why bother? Just the opinion of a frustrated follower. Sue me

Michael Ryder in Calgary? Anyone else think that could happen? $2.9 million for 25+ goals a year is decent and if he is slumping then the team picking him up might not have to offer up much in return. I think this kid has chops! He would make a great 2nd line right winger if needed...but is he too expensive to be a 3rd liner?